The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF JEFF AZZOPARDI
______
HON. JACKIE SPEIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor South San Francisco Police Chief Jeff Azzopardi on the occasion of his retirement. After almost 30 years of service with the department, Chief Azzopardi has decided that it is time for a new chapter in his life that will allow him to spend more time with his family. That desire particularly resonates with me this year because I announced my own retirement from a job I love to spend more time with my family.
I had the great honor to work with Chief Azzopardi since he was appointed in 2014. One of the more memorable occasions was a press conference in 2017 in which we announced the first-ever conviction for human trafficking in San Mateo County. That success reflected the outstanding collaboration of law enforcement, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations on the local, state, and federal level. Chief Azzopardi played an essential role in that collaboration.
Jeff Azzopardi was hired as a police recruit for the South San Francisco Police Department and sworn in as an officer in 1993. From there he rose through the ranks of K-9 officer, S.W.A.T. officer, school community liaison officer, police corporal, criminal investigations bureau officer, police sergeant, community relations sergeant, police lieutenant, criminal investigations bureau commander, and police captain. After the retirement of former Chief Mike Massoni in 2014, the department conducted a nationwide search and selected Jeff Azzopardi as its new chief in September of that year. No matter the role, Jeff is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community. He leads by example and always strives for excellence.
During his time with the department, he successfully completed the Inner Perspectives Leadership Program, LAPD Leadership Program, and POST Executive Development course. He holds a number of certifications from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He also is the former president of the San Mateo County Commanders Group, the president of the San Mateo County Police Chief's and Sheriffs Association, and the Chief of the North Central Regional S.W.A.T. Team and Commissioner for the South San Francisco Commission on Racial and Social Equity. Chief Azzopardi understands the importance of community relations and has been a leader on several community oriented policing projects. He tirelessly emphasized the importance of building bridges between his department and our community.
His outstanding service did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards and honors, including a certificate of commendation from the police department for his work as a sexual assault investigator, a certificate of commendation from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, a lifetime achievement award from the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the Carl Valero Lifetime Achievement Award from Pacifica American Little League, and Police Officer of the Year from the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association.
Born in San Francisco, Jeff attended Terra Nova High School in Pacifica and then received his Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Chico State University and his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University.
As South San Francisco's Top Cop is leaving his post, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife of 21 years, Nikole, and their sons Nat and Drew.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to rise with me to thank Chief Azzopardi for keeping South San Francisco one of the safest and most innovative cities in the Bay Area. His exemplary leadership has earned him the respect and adoration of his colleagues and South City residents. His contributions over the last three decades will outlast his service.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 215
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